WA70 Outdoor Round Guide
The WA70 is the standard outdoor recurve round - 72 arrows at 70 metres on a 122cm target face. The Olympic distance, used at club, national and international level throughout the outdoor season.
Distance
70 metres (recurve) / 60 metres (women/juniors)
Target Face
122cm (10-zone face)
Arrows
72 arrows (12 ends of 6)
Suitable For
Recurve
The WA70 (formerly known as the FITA Round) is the premier outdoor recurve competition format and the distance used at the Olympic Games. Shot at 70 metres on a 122cm target face, it is a demanding test of technique and consistency that rewards archers who can maintain their form over 72 arrows outdoors.
Unlike indoor rounds, the WA70 is heavily influenced by weather. Wind direction, gusts, and changing light conditions make outdoor archery a different challenge entirely. Learning to read the wind and adjust your aim accordingly is one of the great skills of outdoor target archery.
The 122cm face uses the standard 10-zone scoring system, with the innermost X ring used for tiebreaking at higher-level events.
The WA70 is typically shot as part of an outdoor season running from April to September in the UK. Most archers who shoot the WA70 will have shot at least one full indoor season first and will have a reasonable indoor classification score.
If you are new to outdoor archery, a Club 18m equivalent or shorter distances (WA50, WA30) are better starting points before attempting the full 70m distance.
- 1Build up to 70m gradually - start with 30m or 50m outdoors before attempting the full WA70 distance.
- 2Invest in a good clicker and spend time getting your draw length consistent before shooting long distances.
- 3Check the weather forecast. Rain, strong winds, and bright sun all affect your score significantly.
- 4Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers - outdoor sessions can last 4+ hours.
- 5A WA70 score of 500–580 out of 720 is a solid club-level result. World-class recurve archers score 680+.
- 6Sight-in at 70m well before your first competition - distances look very different outdoors.
Is the WA70 only for recurve?
Yes - the WA70 is the standard recurve outdoor round. Compound archers shoot WA1440 or dedicated compound rounds at different distances. Barebow and longbow archers typically shoot shorter distances outdoors.
What equipment do I need for the WA70?
A recurve bow capable of reaching 70m with reasonable grouping, long-rod and side-rod stabilisers, a clicker, and a sight. Most archers shooting WA70 will be using intermediate or advanced recurve equipment.
How long does a WA70 take?
A full WA70 of 72 arrows takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours including practice ends. A double WA70 (144 arrows) takes a full day.
Other guides
WA18 Indoor Round Guide
The WA18 is the most popular indoor archery competition format - shot at 18 metres on a 40cm target face. Suitable for all bowstyles and all levels from novice upwards.
Portsmouth Round Guide
The Portsmouth is a classic British indoor round - 60 arrows at 20 yards on a 60cm target face. One of the most popular formats for all levels, particularly known for being longbow and barebow friendly.
Your First Competition: A Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know before entering your first archery competition - what to expect, what to bring, how scoring works, and how to choose the right event.